Photographic Journey

What else is there?

2009-02-22T22:39:00.002-05:00

I haven't been updating this blog at all. I guess I've sort of given up on it. I thought about just deleting the silly thing, but if I let it live the internet will just swallow it up at some point.
The thing I began to think about when I realized my lack of updates was how much I used to love to write. When I was 13 yrs old I wrote ALOT. I wrote tons of fictional stories. I was a good writer. For some reason recently I feel like a pretty shitty writer. I know how to write. I have plenty of A papers and I used to have amazing starts to ficitonal stories. It's sad to feel as if I've somehow lost that ability. I guess I could say it is lack of practice and as I write this I just began to write a story I've been thinking about lately. I should get back into writing daily. Perhaps it will help clear my head on those crazy days everyone has.
I also have not been writing in my blog alot because most of what I'd end up writing is complaints. These I'd rather keep to myself as I am sure most would agree. No one wants to hear me complain about school.
So, as I write this, watching the Oscar's, ignoring my Psychology homework, and wishing that my luck would change(and my writing too), I feel that this is my way of saying goodbye to this blog. Maybe some day I will return, but I'll probably just start a new one, or revive this one after deleting it. Who knows. But this is the end of my blog. As silly as it is for me to say that.
Here's to hope.
Peace.

I couldn't see the cracks in this fine social scene.

2009-02-07T14:54:00.003-05:00

Long time, no write, huh? I've been busy. I consider this a good thing.
School has been, well... school. Dramas here and there. Things that disgust me and make me wonder sometimes about humanity... the regular crap. I prefer not to get into it for fears of who may have found my blog.
I have been taking Senior Thesis photographs. I did a fun shoot last Saturday with Kirsten that involved a purple dress similar looking to a Flower Girl's dress I wore in my cousin's wedding back in the 90's. Scary??? I think so. I'm hoping for a shoot tomorrow with Kelly. The problem is I was hoping for cold so that her lake would stay frozen and fun ice skating dress shots would result, but judging by the consistent warm weather, I must be dreaming. Well, lets hope for something else.
I invested some money in an Ipod Shuffle. Not just any one, but a green one.... It may not seem fun to you, but I was so excited to have it. I needed something that was compatible with my Mac, and I have plenty of music on my computer, and I also don't need any more than a 1 GB piece of space for music. I am quite satisfied. It's tiny and convenient.
My friend's wedding is quickly approaching. I can't imagine that it is only 3 months away.
My pending graduation will come right after. I still worry about what happens after college. I guess that will not go away until I find out, huh?
Anyhoo.
That's about all the writing I got. When will it be warmer???

The best of the best of the best

2009-02-01T13:05:00.002-05:00

Here is my website....
www.kvoneill.com

So happy that it is up!

Le Wii

2009-01-23T14:24:00.003-05:00

So... my parents beat me to buying a Wii. Then they went and purchased a Wii Fit. I=severely jealous.
I was the first to use the Wii Fit though. It's awesome. I love it. It kicks your butt. You really get a great workout(well, cardio wise, maybe for some strength wise) I go to the gym as much as my body allows me to, so I have stronger muscles than what the Wii Fit expects. (not bragging, but the Wii was shocked several times by my ability to jacknife) I highly reccomennd the Fit if you like to work out and would rather do it at home. It's pretty fun and keeps you moving. The fit is also designed to be super motivational. Lots of words of encouragement and when you are running, people clap for you. Aw. It is a nice way to get in shape.
The only downfall is if you go to the gym and are way ahead of the game, the Fit can be sorta lagging. Also, when learning your BMI, it doesn't ask if you already work out. The Wii assumes this is your first chance to begin a healthy lifestyle. Kinda annoying.
But, I still have a great time on the thing, so if you are looking for a great way to start getting in shape, the Wii Fit is the best.
I know this is totally unphotography related, but I just thought I'd share. Endorphins, ya know? They make you talkative.

Just dance, gonna be ok.

2009-01-19T19:33:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow it begins.
My final semester of college will be starting and it isn't looking too bad. My classes are enjoyable. I've set a nice schedule up for myself. I have also decided to indulge in my obsession with Japan by taking an art class focusing specifically on the place. I am quite excited. I also will be taking a Pilates class. It pays to go to school with dancers. If not for their crazy smoking habits and extremely hyper personalities, I as least get Pilates. What a wonderful thing.
My Senior thesis still stands. Yet it shall be slightly different this semester. I won't explain, but let us just say I am very excited and my lovely friends who some how still want to be my models are excited. I just can't wait for it to snow and also for Spring!
I haven't been updating my blog very much and I probably won't be. I've been feeling that my writing has been lacking any feeling, so I think I'll only update when I feel I have something worth running my fingers about.
I have also been trying to keep myself thinking positively about things. No negative hanging around here. Gotta be level headed. Must. See. Finish. Line.
I worry often about what happens after I graduate. I debate going to Grad school because I don't know if it will be a waste of time or good to just get an idea about what I hope to achieve. I don't know... Some say that if I don't go right after college I'll never go. Well, the boyfriend's sister is going to school with two kids and a husband. She didn't go right after undergrad and now she's achieving some amazing things!!! So I don't believe that if at 32 or 40 I decided to take classes it wouldn't be an issue. I could do it. I shouldn't just short change myself just because NOW I am graduating. I'm still going to live afterwards. My life won't be over once I graduate, but I fear what happens to my life. Where do I go after I throw the little black cap?
I guess I'll just keep chugging along and maybe I will find the answer along the way.

What I like about you

2009-01-15T19:28:00.002-05:00

Photograph from Women's Health Magazine.

I'm posting this because I give the photographers of this magazine some serious props. Alot of their commercial work is very clean and relaxing. I always notice the photos when I flip through the pages. My favorite photograph was of a pack of lifesavers made to look like a large needle. Hot.
I'd like to start photographing random things here and there in this style this semester. I think I'll be taking out the softbox and strobes more than the fall especially since we are starting out so cold. I don't want to get my friends frost bite. I'm sure they'd never be my models again after that.
I've been steadily working on setting up my website. I just have to organize some photos to put in the various sections. Then buy the domain and finally go live. I'm super excited. I can't wait to get a-movin'. I've got goals, baby!

All we care about are Runway models, Cadillacs, and Liquor bottles.

2009-01-04T17:47:00.002-05:00

Greetings from your long lost blogger. I've been here and there the past two weeks. It's been awesome. I have two more weeks of winter vacation, which is crazy because I always thought they were longer in the past. Hm.
Anyway.
I assisted again with the most awesomest K-zilla. I got the above photograph and it is a true expression of my love for children's photography. What a lil' model she was! Kids are amazing and this little girl looks like she's got it goin' on. She posed for me, which was amazing and very rare with kids. Especially this young. I love the presets K-zilla gave me. They totally help this photograph along. Always fun stuff!
I had a good Christmas and a fun New year. I can't believe it's 2009. One more semester to go. Must breathe. But more about that kinda stuff when the semester begins. I'm still detoxing from last semester.
I have made my way to the final published book of the Twilight series. I must say, Eclipse was my all time favorite. Breaking Dawn has been, eh... good, but a little more complicated. I don't want to say Meyer sorta "jumped the shark", but it's weighing. I'm finishing it up, half way done to be exact, so I hope things level out and I'll still be head over heels for Bella and Edward. My next book shall be the third book of the "Wicked" series. This one is from the Lion's perspective, should be great. Maguire is my hero when it comes to writing style. Elphie is by far my favorite character of any book I have read.
I hope your New Year has begun well and that your resolutions weren't too extreme.
I'll keep ya posted.

The gift that keeps on gifting.

2008-12-22T21:17:00.002-05:00

The past two days I've been sleeping. Ah, recovery is sweet. I'm excited about Xmas now. The fam is here and I'm ready to party. The kids will be the best part, opening their gifts, and what not. I'm also looking forward to my love and my family combining this year. Powers unite! It's going to be wonderful.
My head is also beginning to clear. Not by much yet, but I feel better. I'm relieved to put this semester behind me. I passed all of my classes(thank God) and I'm going to do some, not necessarily "soul searching", but figure out what made this past semester so strange and make sure it doesn't happen next semester. My final semester...
I'd rather not dive into that quite yet.
For Xmas I am making everyone(women actaully) boxes. I've bought various beautiful papers and am constructing. I have the super glue fingers to prove it. My boyfriend doesn't understand how I learned how to make a box. I find this to be fascinating since I thought everyone knew how to make boxes, especially him since he is a custom wood worker. I guess I have one up on him in this department. Muahaha.
Either way, I'm enjoying building and being creative. I hope everyone likes them.
Now I need to be off to shop for my father and brothers, the hardest to shop for...How do you shop for men? It shouldn't be so complicated to shop for your own blood.
Until next time.
Happy Holidays!

The Happier Version of Me

2008-12-19T19:05:00.002-05:00

Thank you for my grade. I appreciate it.

I am so glad this semester is finally, finally over....

Now let's party. Hard.

Cause I'm Marvelous

2008-12-17T17:22:00.002-05:00

Shirin Neshat. Right now I am doing a final presentation on this amazing woman. An Iranian born artist, who moved to the U.S. when she was 17, Neshat's work was heavily influenced by the Islamic Revolution in 1979. She was not allowed to return to her homeland during this time. Until 1990 Shirin Neshat had been in exhile, but when she finally could return home Neshat was shocked by the massive changes in politics and the society. The treatment of women in Iran inspired Shirin to create this series of photographs composed of women in habjis and guns. Neshat drew and wrote on the images. I love the exquisite beauty of all her photographs. I'm very inspired by the passion one image reflects. This image particularly speaks to me. I love the hands and the design perfectly drawn upon the hand. She is amazing.

I am almost done. I see the light. Then it will be time to party. Party like it's 1999.

The trick is to keep breathing.

2008-12-15T23:08:00.002-05:00

This is a documentation of my final year of college. I am about to get personal here. Probably bordering on the verge of whiny or "pitty party" worthy. You've been warned.

I cannot do anything right. Or at least this semester is themed around that idea. I am frustrated. I feel tangled up in knots, ropes, chains, whatever. If I had a knife, a key, maybe I could break free. I know it will all fall into place and the end of the semester will be the same as all the others. But I can't help worrying myself sick. Especially since I have felt this semester has been the weirdest of them all. I just want it to be over. It's dragging on... repeated nails on chalk board... I'm irritated. I feel hopeless. Can I not please anyone??? I'm a smart girl. I know what to do. I'm creative. But you'd think(judging by the things said to me by some teachers....it's more like bullying.) that I was some dumb, hopeless kid. I am not. So please stop trying to belittle me as if you are so much better than I am, my lovely teachers. Please, stop treating me as if I remind you of that girl who treated you like shit in high school, for I am not. You are too old to be acting this way toward me. As a teacher I feel it is their responsibility to do just that, teach. Or perhaps encourage, something rarely provided at my college. Only this year have I encountered encouragement from one or two teachers. How disappointing...
What also angers me is the fact that this is college... the way things are working around here would make anyone cringe. Ugh.
I've written 4 versions of my Media paper. At this moment I am mutating them all into one. I've had 3 english majors read over them and give their opinions. I am determined for a good grade. I'm trying so hard. This is my spilling my guts out here. I'm trying to make you see how hard I try. I am no bullshit. I am not that student who waits till midnight to begin writing. I've been writing. I've been thinking. Please, please, give me a break... I sound pathetic. But like I said, this is a very personal entry. It stems from the sadness and stress baring down on me at the end of the semester. The worries that I have overflowing in my head. The upcoming graduation(I hope.) There isn't much left for me to do, but freak out. I apologize to those who read this and find me oddly depressing or just too prissy for their tastes, but I'm being honest. If you were me, you'd feel the same.
I'll make it to the finish line. I'm just following the turtoise's style not the rabbit's... it isn't by choice though.

It all comes down to this.

2008-12-12T22:43:00.002-05:00

The semester is coming to a close. I'm sitting here thinking about what I've accomplished and what I hope to accomplish next semester. There will be much more trashing. Much, much more trashing of the dress. My teacher on Wednesday told me I had not evolved as he had hoped I would over the course of three months. I may not have evolved in my photography(to his eyes anyway...) but I have been going through some things personally. I'm hoping the fog of the semester will fade and let me finally settle. I have two more finals that I must conquer before the end is here. Monday I have no class but loads to do. Tuesday is my Digital final. Wednesday... let's not discuss that. Thursday is just a presentation and a small insignificant meeting with a teacher. Blah blah blah.
Tuesday should be interesting since I actually photographed myself for this project. I also made a pretty box out of fancy paper for it too. I hope that will just pass with ease and I'll walk away with only some small bruises.
I just need to pass. I've worked hard. I have put my efforts in where necessary. I never dilly dallyed more than usual(I am an artist, procrastinator by nature.) I just hope all goes well and ends well. I don't fear failure, I just hope no one has a change of heart and removes mine. It's my last year. I need mercy. Alot. But I am no slacker nor am I stupid, but I worry. I worry so much it hurts sometimes...
I see the silver lining though. It's coming in the form of Christmas, family, and friends. The new year sounds refreshing. I've made a big change and I'm excited to see where it takes me.
Wish me luck.

Dear Santa.

2008-12-09T18:04:00.002-05:00

I seriously haven't gotten into the spirit of the holidays this year, well, not so far. But Christmas is only 2 weeks away and I don't feel like I'm ready. Normally, like I said before, B101 is blaring on my radio and I've heard Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas" about a billion times over. Not this year. I feel disconnected from the whole holiday thingie. This makes me sad. I feel like I am missing a key component here. Is it the weird weather changes? The odd semester that is almost done??? Or is it me? It's sort of frustrating.
My Xmas tree is still not up. There are some lights strangling the bushes outside, but not much else. By the looks of the street, I may not be the only one missing the cheer. There aren't alot of decorations creating false day outside. I thought after Obama won the election we would suddenly burst from our sad little cages and feel reassured and ready for change?? Now it looks as if the recission is doing much more than ruin the economy, it's ruining people's love of the holidays.
I should bake cookies or make gingerbread. Maybe make gifts or push for the Xmas tree. I should be excited because Coal and family will be here in 11 days. It'll be super fun. I should be happy that the semester is closing and I can put these weird past couple of months behind me.
I hope.
But in the mean time...

Dear Santa,
I've tried to be a good person this year. I really have. All I want for Christmas is the holiday spirit at the least. If you could bring that in a box wrapped in shiny paper with a big bow I'd be very appreciative.
Thanks.
Kat

Hire me!!!!

2008-12-08T16:11:00.002-05:00

http://perezhilton.com/2008-12-08-new-director-for-twilight-sequel

Thank goodness! Like I mentioned before, I hated this movie. It didn't do any justice to the book. I really enjoy the Twilight series(despite its teenage perception...) The movies need to be darker and sexier. This movie had nothing. Like I also told you before, Robert Patinson is hot, but his acting could have been worked on. The chick that played Bella definitely needs to read the book and REMEMBER THAT BELLA ISN'T A VEGETARIAN... give me a break. Just cause the actress doesn't eat, doesn't mean our main character shouldn't either. Sheesh.
Can we hire me now to do the next couple of movies properly? I'll make them hot. I'll make them worth their salt.
Am I cynical? I guess so, but I can't stand the fact that such a crappy movie received rave reviews. People need to stop making shitty movies out of great books.
If you are actually looking for a good movie-book to watch, I suggest "The Namesake", absolutely amazing.
Take a page out of that director's book people before you make a horrible version of "New Moon".

Weapon Of Choice

2008-12-07T18:33:00.002-05:00

Once again I had an awesome time assisting the K-zilla. The bride was friggin' gorgeous. I was jealous of her blue eyes, very piercing. She was very laid back.
I've been working on my finals. I have a few due this week. I got half of them done. Now I just need to write my final paper for Media and study for Evolution. Fun, fun, fun. I'll be happy when this semester is allll over.
It doesn't feel like Xmas is coming. Normally I've very excited and B101 is blaring on my radio with its seasonal music. Not this year. Maybe once the fam gets here I'll be more in the spirit. My Xmas tree isn't even up.

There's a ghost in me, who wants to say "I'm Sorry", doesn't mean I'm sorry.

2008-12-04T23:23:00.002-05:00

There I be! This is for my Digital final. The theme of the project is "Intimacy". Obviously this is a photograph of a very intimate moment. I have a few others in mind and hopefully they will all be just as sexy. My tats help. Especially my new one, which I think you get a better view of in this photograph compared to the previous. You also get to see the bottom of my other tattoo located on my back. Hell yea Om signs.
Normally I have a hard time photographing myself and touching on my personal life. So I decided that maybe for this project I'd try my hand at self portraits and not just any, really sexy and signs of my loving side.
I am feeling sort of guilty. No...wait...I am feeling like I missed an opportunity. It came knocking and I ignored it. Or maybe I just ran out of money? I don't know... I just can't think of a good reason why I didn't go to see Annie Leibovitz(my hero) speak tonight. I just don't know what to say. I'm severely disappointed in myself.
I opted for homemade sushi night instead. How pathetic.
Anyway, enough wallowing in self pity...the semester is almost over and I'm extremely hopeful. Charlie and Coal and the nippers will be here soon! Then we can relive Thanksgiving all over again.
I just hope this semester ends with slightly more balance. I'm tired of feeling as if I am stumbling around.
How do you fly this thing anyway? Hmmmm?

If I were you

2008-12-02T16:38:00.002-05:00

My tattoo is doing well, thanks for asking. It's beginning to heal, so it's itchy and scabby. Yum. I love it still! The tattoo artists Joshua did such an amazing job. When can I get another???
We got back from the Apolis around 7:00 PM last night. It took us 8 hrs to get home from Ohio, ugh. My love was a trooper though, he drove Sunday from 11:30 AM-1:30 AM, my hero. We hit alot of rain and snow once we entered Illinois. Chicago wasn't bad as we drove through it, but apparently it got worse once we left. Thank goodness. But driving for so long, even with a break, really does a number on you. I am still disoriented. I'm happy to be home, yet at the same time sad. I love being some place else. I love to travel. I really needed to leave and go somewhere, this was a nice break. Between the King Crab legs, tattoo, sushi, and alcohol, I'd say this was a VERY successful break. I can't wait for them to come in 17 days.(!!!!!)
Today I had my Senior Reviews. What a great way to get back in the groove. It went well. Four teachers critiqued my work and they had some good things to say. I didn't feel like they were picking on me, more like they were encouraging me to improve and keep going in my direction, just perhaps to the path slightly to the left. I don't have class tomorrow because there will be more reviews, so it's a great opportunity to catch up on some work and plan for the coming finals. We are in the final stretch people!!!! Hopefully all goes well.

The World's Most Dangerous Polka Band and other adventures

2008-11-29T17:26:00.002-05:00

When I came to Minneapolis I didn't expect to be leaving with a new tattoo. I'm really friggin' happy I am. I'm glad Coal and Charlie(and my love) encouraged me. It's been a while since I had a tattoo. Now I have four very meaningful pieces inscribed on my body. This tattoo is probably pretty up there in the most meaningful out of all my tattoos. I won't explain why, it's something intimate, more for family and friends than almost strangers who possibly read my blog. But the tattoo is done in fancy, messy script that I found online. It took about 1hr 15 min to do. SUPER painful since it runs close to my spine and across my ribs. It's beautiful and I love it.
Some people may feel like tattoos are a waste and disgusting. I disagree. I am glad I live my life and have this experience. I am glad that I am comfortable expressing myself this way. When I am 60 I can look at my tattoos and remember the memories from them, remember the times through my life as i've been displaying them on my body. I love my tattoos, I wouldn't be me if I didn't have them. I can't wait to get more.
On a completely different note, last night we went to see the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band. And man are they dangerous. Ruth and her rapping is hardcore. John and his Moviefone voice, a very happy drummer. SO AMAZING.
We leave tomorrow to head home...It makes me sad to think about it...
Till next time.

Truck Behavior and Other Fun Things Found On A 20 hr Car Ride

2008-11-26T14:29:00.002-05:00

Well, I am here, 20 hours from home. For the first time in my 22 years I am not going to be with MY family on Turkey Day. I've decided to spend it with my love's family instead. Except they live in Minnesota, and with plane tickets for two costing up to 400 dollars per person we decided to drive alllllllllll night. I bet you are jealous.
I've always dreamt of driving some place this far. I also thought it would be a drive to Florida. Hmm... got the wrong memo I guess?
Nah, just kidding. I am very happy to be here. It's going to be a blast. I needed to get away.
I'll have lots of pictures by the end of my stay.
But I wanted to talk about the cool things I learned on the way here.
I learned that PA is probably the widest state and driving through it is a bitch.
I learned that Pittsburgh is actually alot further than I originally thought.
I learned that going through tunnels makes me sort of anxious.
I learned how to drive my boyfriend's truck.
I also learned the behaviors of trailer trucks. I think there should be a study done of truck habits. I'd like to head the research. Especially since I've been on the road all night and day with them. I know them pretty well by now.
Trucks like to sleep on the shoulders of highways. They use their reflective shells to indicate to passing cars and other trucks that they are there. Trucks enjoy the game of 'drafting'. This is when trucks alternate one in front of the other helping to save gas. Cool huh? I think so.
Trucks also don't understand how scary they are to drive next to. They use the art of intimidation to frighten other cars and trucks as far away from them as possible. It works.
Well, I will update more later.
Enjoy your turkey!

I need an insight, could I borrow yours?

2008-11-23T17:05:00.003-05:00

There are several things I'd like to talk about in this blog entry. Several things I've done this weekend, several things that are happening, and several things I'm worried about.
But first I'd just like to say that the top photo is from my shoot today with Christy at another farm. We went out in the paddock(in the cold...) and hung with some mares. I want to buy one. Her name was Mary(my gmom's name was Marie, Muh-Ree) so I felt kind of connected to that horse. Mary was particularly fond of me too. She kept resting her nose on my shoulder and nudging me for attention or food, but still. She was this beautiful wild horse. Apparently all the mares were kind of unbroken. I've never wanted a horse to necessarily ride. I've always looked at it as a companion. I saw this video once of a man in India who had this crazy relationship with his Arabians. They loved him so much, he was one of the herd. I'd like THAT relationship with my horse more than rider and horse. That's kind of why I have alot of respect for my friends who own horses. Their relationships are more about companionship and trust between them and their horse than anything else. Hopefully some day my dream will come true and I can afford a farm with horses. My flash didn't work during our photoshoot, but I did get a good amount of nice shots to work with. It was just tooooo cold outside. My hands were getting numb and it was becoming increasingly difficult to change settings on my camera.
Christy was my last TTD shoot for the semester. Dec. 2 is my senior review. I'm prepared with work, but I am not so mentally. I'm nervous about having other teachers look at my stuff and wonder why. I still need to write my thesis statement. I've been thinking but nothing really fits what I am doing. I guess while I am away I'll have to do some serious meditating on it...
All together different...I saw "Twilight" the other night. Ick. I'm sure if I was 17 yrs old, I would have loved it. I would have drooled more over Rob Pattinson. I'm sure there'd be some hope in my heart about being Bella some day, but I am not 17. I think Rob Pattinson is a handsome guy, but he didn't make me head over heels for this movie. The book is the way to go.
As a photographer I look at movies differently than others. A feel a good movie is frame after frame of beautiful, inpsiring photographs. At any point in the movie you can remove one still from it and that still will explain everything that is happening before, at the time, and after. The composition is perfect, the colors, the lighting. A good actor doesn't need to speak to be a good actor. It's all about posture and facial expressions for me. Body language says more than words. The whole point of this book is the tension between our two main characers Bella and Edward. That's what has made this book so popular. The sexual tension between two teenagers and the craving for seducation from a vampire. Hey, I'm sorry, but that's just what makes this book so damn addictive. Sexual tension was nooo where to be found in this movie. NO WHERE. The only sexual tension comes from the 17 and under auidence who wishes they could jump Rob Pattinson's bones. The actress who plays Bella and Rob have no chemistry. She fits the part, don't get me wrong. She's beautiful, pale, dark brown, mysterious. Yet there were absoultely no sparks. I want to redo this movie. I'll make it darker. I'll make it sexier. I'll actually stick to the book. Someone hire me. I'm so disappointed. This is not anything like harry potter. At least the movies were fantastic.
(I told you this was a long post...)
I can't wait for my trip. I need to get the hell out of here for a bit. I think this place is making me slightly crazy. Or maybe it's just this semester? Either way, I'll be glad when my love and I are hanging with Coal and Charlie. I can't wait to see the kids.
Next.
I have to e-mail my teacher my 'insight'. I need to write another paper. I'm probably writing on the farm I was at today. It was the farm of a pack rat. Rusted tractors, old, broken down cars, lots of tires and buckets. Oh, TONS of farm cats running around. I just don't know what angle I want to go at this. Coming up with something 'insightful' apparently isn't as easy as I thought it was. I have insights. I think all the time. I think so much I get annoyed...
I have too much to do... I'm done. You won't be hearing from me for a while.
Peace.

Persephone

2008-11-19T22:25:00.002-05:00

I am updating alot today. Things will be quite hectic the next few days before I leave, so I guess I should write and get it all out of the way.

This morning I had another crit for Senior Photography. It went well. I keep thanking my lucky stars that I have finally reached a point in my photographic career where people actually enjoy my work. The past couple of years have been strange. I've shed alot of tears and blood to get to this point. I know it's not over, school is only half over, but the semester is running out.
Now I have Senior Reviews on Dec. 2 A small panel of photo teachers will sit in a room with just me and observe my work. I'm nervous but not. I've been working pretty hard. I've shot over 2000 photographs. I've printed about 20 of them. All I have to do now is write my thesis statement. I don't know where to begin...
My teacher wants me to begin looking into the women of mythology. He related my work today to Persephone and Gia. He says my work looks like something spiritual, communing with nature. Hm. I've always loved mythology. I am very spiritual. I just don't know what exactly I am going for in my photos. I see something that sets my heart moving at a rapid pace and my brain starts running through all the ways to set up the composition. I click and the image pops up on the back of my 450 D. I take between 300-400 images per girl. I edit them down to those that make me the happiest. Then I edit them to look how I'd like. The end. If there is something subconsciously working here, I haven't realized it yet. I'll be happy when I do. Just like my epiphany tonight concerning other things, maybe as I sleep on it(despite my constant nightmares) I'll figure it out.
I know there is something more there than just the surface appearance of my photographs. I know there is specificlly a reason the shot is the way it is. I just haven't fond the reasoning yet. I should do a little more soul searching.
And if were not for my boyfriend, I would never have gotten to this point in my life. Now I just need him to help get to the meaning of it all. Hah.

Don't jump too soon.

2008-11-19T19:51:00.002-05:00

I let me friend with the English major read my paper for my Media class. He agreed with my teacher, I suck. Oh well, you can't win them all I guess...My friend helped though(no he didn't write the paper, I still have to do that...) He did give me some good feed back though. He really broke it down and explained some ways at which I could go about attacking the paper.
One problem was my friend sees it from a different angle than my teacher. He wants me to open with a thesis statement. My teacher wants an anecdote. Hmm. Where's the middle ground here?
Maybe I just need a different idea. Maybe I should get a new insight. My stomach is in knots over writing. Hopefully my friend with the English major can sort of guide me out of my rut. He could well be my knight in shining armor when it comes to saving me from this class. Who knows.
What I notice when I get down to writing for my Media class is how much I tense up. I think because I get so tense I freeze and my mind runs blank. I'm fizooked then. I don't know. I should meditate before I write for this class. Or maybe my teacher shouldn't be so scary sometimes. I doubt that will ever happen, but a girl can dream.
At least I have next week to look forward to. I can't wait to go on our long road trip. Finally get away...
Oh! I can't forget about seeing Twilight tomorrow. Eep! I am so excited. I have almost completed a 500 page book in four days. I'm pretty proud of myself. It's just too good.
Speaking of vampires...I had a funny thought today. After reading these books and seeing these movies, I wonder if people's attitude toward pale people(like myself) will change? I know it sounds silly, but if being pale with big hazel/amber eyes makes some of us look like vampires, I'm all for it. Besides, it's about friggin' time people stopped obsessing over being tan. You get skin cancer from that. Ew.
Dare to be pale.

Her body is my coffin.

2008-11-17T14:58:00.003-05:00

This photograph was taken using a Mamiya film camera(you remember those?) 400NC Kodak Portra color chrome. Word. My strobes were very helpful. A sofbox always make people look pretty. Not saying Monbot isn't always pretty, but softboxes add smooth tones rather than harsh ones to a photograph.
I took this for my final last semester. The theme was "PlayBoy CopyKat" I was trying to shoot in that style. That's why she's not clothed... and as you can see Monbot was my model for practicly everything last semester. She's a wonderful model, I am very grateful.
She also has gotten me addicted to reading "Twilight" that vampire cult has bitten me. I can't stop reading it. I just started reading it last night and I'm almost half way done. What girl doesn't want a vampire obsessed with her? ...i'm sorry that's probably too personal... but still. I have had friends through the years who were sooooo obsessed with the idea of vampires(I know I am not alone) and I guess Stephanie Meyer was just another one of them. I'm more excited about seeing the movie on Thursday than I had originally been. Can't wait, can't wait!
EDIT:
So I read on Stephanie Meyer's website that she really was just like me and my friends. She too had crazy dreams about vampires and love. Awesome, I like this chick. I grew up with two older brothers who played RPGs(causing me to also be obsessed) and this book reads like the plots of RPGs. It explains why I love it so much among the many other reasons. Some of those RPGs were vampire related. "Castlevannyia" being one of the main loves of my gaming days. Vampires are sexy, I can't deny it. I've had some pretty crazy dreams involving them. And I am glad that these days it's hip to be a vampire. besides Meyer's books there is another movie coming out starring my girl crush, Megan Fox, and then there's that TV show on some channel I can't remember, but it was being promoted up in NYC when I was forced to visit, and it was focused on vampires. SWEET! When do I get to be a vampire?
Meyer's vampire cult has gotten pretty far too. I saw a girl at the gym tonight with one of the books from the series. It's everywhere. "Twilight" spreads like wild fire... This movie better be frickin' good or I'mma be pissed.
Sadly, I need to revert back to writing my Review paper... which isn't going too well, especially since I'm scared to the point of being sick by my teacher.
When will this madness ever end????? (Dec.18, but that's still so far away...) Save me. Have mercy on my pathetic, poorly educated in English soul.

Abandoned Houses

2008-11-16T17:26:00.002-05:00

Kirsten and I made our way to the woods. We ended up keeping with the abandoned house theme. We also went to a part of the woods were a recent fire had occurred and got some crazy looking photos of her walking around in charred black remains of trees. Very eerie.

This is Liz, who's wedding I assisted at the other day. I love the composition of this photograph. The lighting is beautiful and you can see the details of her train.

What a weekend

2008-11-16T09:01:00.002-05:00

Saturday was a productive day. My mother and I kept with our tradition of going to our church's craft show in the morning. We walked away disappointed since it wasn't as good as previous years. Then I helped assist at a wedding, had an awesome time. K-ila's (that's really not her name, but giving nicknames is always fun) idea is working out great, people love it, I really enjoy doing it. The bride and groom were as beautiful and handsome as ever(of course). Even though it was suppose to rain all day yesterday the weather held out down to the last second that the couple were outside finishing pictures. As soon as they got inside the clouds opened up and it poured. That bride was super lucky. Or blessed, however you'd like to look at it.
Today I have a photoshoot for TTD. It's windy and I'm excited, but it's also cold...which...really isn't my favorite thing about this time of year, but hopefully Kirsten won't mind.
I will be posting some photos from the wedding and today's shoot with Kirsten later.

Run out

2008-11-12T16:25:00.002-05:00

I finished "The God of Animals" today. Absolutely one of the best books I've read so far this semester(and I have read alot...) I highly recommend.
But now... what am I going to read? I've run out of books in my bookshelf. :(

What's the problem here???

2008-11-11T20:37:00.003-05:00

What's wrong with being a wedding photographer? Every time these big shots come to my school to sell their over priced equipment to friggin students they always slam wedding photography. Huh? There ain't nothing wrong with that profession. It pisses me off to no end when these "professional" photographers throw comments around like, "God, I would NEVER want to be a wedding photographer, that's too much for me..." or once I was at a seminar for Olympus and the woman laughed when no one raised their hands claiming aspirations to be future wedding photographers(I didn't because I was alll the way in the back on the balcony, she was on the ground level, not paying attention to that part of the auditorium.It would have been a waste.)
Come on people, it's a great job. I love assisting and learning the business. I can't wait to do another one. I love being active and constantly having to think about what's next. It's a fashion show and a half with all the flowers, dresses, tuxes, and cakes. It's wonderful. I know it can be stressful and when you've got like 3,000 images to limit down to a good 400, sometimes it feels like hell, but it's not an embarrasment by far. I give a wedding photographer I know and work with ALOT of credit for what she does. I love her work. I think she is a wonderful photographer and person. Bugger off, just because your company pays you steady to just travel around to colleges, selling equipment we only dream of buying(give me a break, do you really think that a student discount from 3,500 dollars to 1,100 dollars is winning anyone over???I. Don't. Think.So.)
Go show your 13,000 dollar digital Mamiya to someone who can actually afford it.
Geez...

Transparency

2008-11-10T14:39:00.003-05:00

I finally got to scanning in my transparencies from last semester. Except for the black and white image, that is studio work done with a 4x5.
I am still sick and miserable and on top of that it's too cold outside...

Words

2008-11-07T20:30:00.003-05:00

"I wondered if he had seen the same look in her face when the stud climbed on top of her, if he understood what had happened with the clear, centered certainty that I did...
"She never would have kicked if they hadn't tied her legs."
-The God of Animals

America Uhopia

2008-11-05T11:51:00.003-05:00

I am proud to be an American today. I am glad that all of Obama's hard work has paid off. I am relieved that people of America have finally seen reason and voted on intelligence, rather than just the surface issues that always come into play during elections. I am thrilled that history has been made. Congratulations to our first black president. May God bless him and guide him. I would have never dreamed to see so many crying for this man. This was an amazing election for more than enough reasons.
Now we are a few baby steps closer to healing.

Thank you God.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was sitting, reading the Huffington Post, and I saw some very angry comments mixed in with the abundance of over joyed Obama supporters. Civil Rights was the focus of these comments. I'm wondering what will happen from here? Obama may be the change we need, but I feel something dark lurking about...
And why am I sitting around reading the H-Post? Well, for the first time in over a year and a half I am sick. I'm actually feeling worse at this moment. The only thing I can think of that could possibly have infiltrated my healthy immune system is the flu. Why do I think this? Because I've been around people with colds so many times and I work with children on the weekend(you know, the host of all evil germs that even a teacher had to create a drug(Thank you Airbourne!)to avoid constantly getting sick...) and never have I gotten sick. Until now. I didn't think my immune system was low. I've been sleeping, I've been eating healthy, exercising... so... the only thing I feel strong enough to knock me down would be a virus. Something powerful. Like the flu.
But I still got up and went to class. I'll get up tomorrow and go to class, even though it is my long day...I'll go. Because I know my teachers don't give a crap if I am sick. They won't understand how weird I find me getting sick for the first time in a long time really is to me. Nope, they probably like the idea that I'll be suffering through their classes. Thanks guys.

But, for now, I shall be sitting here reading my new choice of literature...
I absolutely love it so far.

It's weird...

2008-11-03T13:23:00.003-05:00

For some reason I really don't feel like updating my blog at all this week. The only reason I am updating it is to just say I'm not in the mood to write. So don't expect much.

But.
I will say this, tomorrow, go out and vote. No matter who it is you are voting for, no matter if you consider yourself just "one vote", you have a right. What have you got to lose?
Please. Vote.

Cultures I Wish I Knew More About...

2008-11-02T10:21:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking about this alot lately. There are a couple of cultures that I wish I had a better understanding of...
*Japanese(duh...hello, I was a Harajuku Girl/Gangura for Halloween!)
*Chinese
*Korean
*Indian
*Middle Eastern(all kinds, Moroccan, Iranian, etc.)
I wish I knew a ton more about these cultures. I'd rather go there and have the experience hands on, but who knows if that is ever possible. I just keep dreamin'.
My Halloween was fair. I worked during the day, photographing cute lil' kiddies in their cute kiddie costumes. Aw. So while all you sports lovers were out rioting and drinking yourself stupid, I was inside. With little kids. Need I say more? Then went to a party, discovered that I am suddenly a one glass of wine drunk(normally it's two, so this is quite surprising...) I also learned that I am not as creative with my costume ideas as I should be. One girl was a Zombie Alice In Wonderland, ripped up pieces, lots of blood, our mutual friend made her look all decripeed and Zombie like with this blue-black make up, loved it. Another girl was a damsel in distress and tied herself up. Shoot... I want to be something cool next year....I thought my Harajuku costume was kick ass, but I guess not that kick ass.
Today is the first Sunday I won't be photographing anything. I have an abundance of photographs to work with(see post below about TTD) so I really shouldn't need to photograph again for the rest of the semester. HAHA, that's funny....Like that would ever happen.
My mommy's birthday is tomorrow. I was born a week before my mother's birthday, so I tell her every year that I was an early birthday present. Hehehe....I am sure she appreciates that.
To finish this all up because I really don't have much else to write about(or don't really feel like writing about.) I added a ton new songs to my Music for The Soul section of my Blog, so if you're curious, take a look.
Until next time.

Pretty Amazing

2008-10-29T14:36:00.002-04:00

And gross all in one.

Updating...

I don't feel like posting on my other post or creating a new post to push my photo post further down the blog hole, so I will write in this one. :D

I'm sitting here watching "Ghost Hunters" one of my favorite shows, especially around halloween, I'm all freaked out because the dude is over at our friend's house watching the Phillies...I'm athletic(I guess...I go to the gym, does that count?) but I ain't no sports fan. I'm sure you may wonder what being fit and sports have to do with each other, but I feel like there's a misconception, if you are physically fit, you like sports because that's being phsyically fit... eh.. for some, but not I.
So, anyway, I get to sit here and be all scared by my lonesome self. Yayyy. Well, I do have the cat sitting behind me, licking the couch(ick), but she isn't the greatest company.
Onto my other story...
It is very perplexing how the other day as I was walking down the stairs from Media class that my wonderful Thermos exploded. Um...? Nothing happened to it, I had black tea in it, and out of no where I few this strange sensation on my hand holding the Thermos and then, BOOM! Whatever is inside(apparently made out of glass...) shattered into tiny pieces. Damn it man, I really liked that thing, and I had just started really taking it to school to help save me money on buying tea from Starbucks. I'll miss you Thermos.
I love how I just yelled at the cat about licking the couch and she hid her face in her tail and is still freakin' licking the couch. Come on now, not like it conceals the sound! So annoying...The animals in this house are crazy. The dog busted out of our "Great Wall of Chair", which we were trying to use to keep her blocked out of the back room, since she has this new habit of peeing everywhere. How does a 14 yr old, arthritic dog knock down a wall of chairs??? Oh, all the questions I have that go unanswered would make me a billionaire.

What does "Trash the Dress" really mean?

2008-10-29T13:33:00.004-04:00

Never have I ever...

2008-10-27T21:21:00.002-04:00

I am staring at this while I write my Media paper to help put me in the frame of mind of my teacher so that I may actually get a semi decent grade on this Profile piece.... God help me.
There has got to be a point where your brain just shuts off because you've written something so many times... I know I can do this. I know I can write a good paper. I have everything I need. Good quotes, great information, a wonderful boyfriend with a very fascinating life, but for some reason getting it down on paper, just ugh... I believe I think too much about it before I write and psyche myself out.

I am so frustrated.
If you hear someone screaming, it's not because of the Phillies game, it's me...

Prayers

2008-10-27T12:42:00.002-04:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/27/boys-body-found-in-jennif_n_138101.html

This is terrible. Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were shot to death on Friday and her 7 yr old nephew is missing. I cannot imagine what she is going through. How could anyone do this? How can you endanger a child like that?
That is such a shame...

Baby would you light my fire

2008-10-27T08:00:00.004-04:00

There you go. You only get that shit in Hollywood man. Even though it pretty much rained all day Saturday, Christy and I beat it out by probably 5 minutes. I'm glad we got to run around with the horses, it's like a childhood dream come true for me.
As for Kim...well, as you can see from the first photo, she was determined to get that ugly dress dirty. The best part is whenever we go to Kelly's farm there are always people there. They just stand back and watch, most of the time laughing. But it's all good. Both days were very successful photoshoots and I got some kick ass images.

P.S.
The next door neighbor's dog gave birth to puppies on Saturday. They are pure breed Speckled Pointers. There are five up for grabs. Anyone interested? It's $1,000 for a female and $800 for a male. That is so cheap.

Not.

And I thought I partied hard.

2008-10-26T21:11:00.002-04:00

Crazy, crazy weekend. Lots of cleaning, partying, and photo taking. I finally now have a chance to sit down. All went well with photos and the party. I am very relieved.

On Saturday I took photos of my lovely friend Christy. We visited the place where her horse is being boarded and went out in the field. It was hysterical. There are two horses there and they followed us around like two giant dogs. These horses have soooo much personality. They would suddenly freak out and run around like crazy. At one point Christy had her horse on a lead and he decided to get down in the dirt and roll. He rolled around for a few seconds and then jumped up. He went crazy. He bucked, he reared, it was awesome! I got one of the coolest photographs for my Senior thesis. Christy is in her pink prom dress, holding the lead, and her horse is up on his hind legs. It is one of my top favorites. But not to be outdone...
Kim and Kelly were my models today. Kim bought a western style wedding dress for 25 bucks and Kell wore a pink 80's bridesmaid dress that she got for 10. I had Kelly cut up the sleeves of Kim's dress. I was trying to light the pieces on fire but it didn't work out. So we did the next best thing. Kim rolled around in a puddle and then a pile of saw dust. Kelly sat in soem mud. It was pretty great. Those dresses are hideous as you can see in the above picture of them. The top photo is of Christy's horse holding the lead in his mouth after she took it off. So cute.
Pretty successful and busy weekend I'd say.

Never the same girl twice.

2008-10-23T21:01:00.004-04:00

In the next few days I will be one year older.

"Revelations are sometimes so loud that they're ear-piercing, and sometimes they're so quiet that they're heartbreaking." -Drew Barrymore

Theme....

2008-10-21T13:54:00.001-04:00

Relevancy
Theme
Relevancy
Theme
Relevancy
Repeat.

I'm not the shiniest apple in the barrel, but I sure as hell am tasty.

Just to let you know...

2008-10-20T18:53:00.003-04:00

I figured I would just make this statement for anyone who has been reading my blog from the early days of its existence. I have recently begun using the blog as part of my Media class, so certain things are going to be different. I'm still, obviously, going to be writing about my photographic journey, but there will be other pieces of randomness here and there.

Just thought I would make that clear just in case someone was like, "whoa, that's alot of updating". Word.

What my personal essay should have been about

2008-10-20T17:23:00.002-04:00

When I was in my Senior year of high school one of my friend's had gotten into the habit of writing poetry. She wasn't doing it to get anywhere, it was just for yuks. My friend, Tina, had written a particular poem which she decided to hand over to the school's literary magazine that sometimes published its stuff. The only problem was she had given the poem to the magazine with no name and no title. This was unacceptable by the mag. No one knew who had written the poem except for our other friend who was on the editing panel for the magazine. We knew she'd keep her mouth shut and our plan would go into action.
Tina had been pissed off when our magazine connected friend told us they would not put the poem in without a name and title. What was she going to do? She didn't want to admit it was her because then our creepy English teacher would be all over her like moss on a tree. If there were something more disgusting, and even moss ain't that gross, I'd use that metaphor instead to describe how weird this guy was. Even I didn't like him, but it wasn't going to stop us from figuring out a way to get the piece published.
This is where I stepped in. I suggested that my name be put on the poem and I force them to take it with no title still. The group agreed, I was the hard ass, I wouldn't take shit, so my friend's piece would get recognized without her name on it and I'd get a chance to play some mind games. I felt a need to piss someone off before I graduated from my dreadful high school. This was a perfect opportunity.
I met with one of the head teachers who helped run the literary magazine. She was supposedly an "art teacher", but her craziness made her less of an artist and more of a nuisance to the students. My friends had constantly been telling me up to that point how annoying this lady was, and I too had experienced her butting into my own art business. When she and I sat down to discuss the poem I was all fired up and ready to take her head on. Give me all you got lady, I'll knock you out. The teacher told me that the poem HAD to be named. I refused. I asked what the point of naming a poem really was, and why there were so many untitlted poems, but for some reason mine could not go untitlted too. She made some bullshit excuse about the school requiring her to have all pieces named. Give me a break. I bet they care as much about this as any other person. She forced my hand and still ready to be defiant, I said the name would be "Sonnet 69". You know, 69? Even she smiled. "Umm, I think that the students of this school will find that to be offensive." which is what she said to me. My response was along the lines of, "what do you mean??? I think it's just a number". My face remained serious as could be. Come on lady..."Well, it has that meaning and the students will think of that... No, you cannot name it that." Oh really? Well, fine... "How about Sonnet 420?" 4/20, anyone? Anyone? I got her on that one, but she still made a stink, "That means you've written 420 sonnets. I am sure you have not..." Why not? Don't judge a book by it's cover deary, I could have written 420 bad poems before I got to this one. Assuming makes an ass out of you and me.
To sum it up, my friend's name remained off the pages and forever anonymous, while I got credit for her work and did my duty as a friend, protected her from the creepiness of our English teacher. Trust me, I didn't want to the credit for the poem. I just wanted to be a jerk and put my foot down once before I left that school behind forever. The poem got printed as Sonnet 420 and my friends and I still laugh about it.

Why didn't I write that?

Harajuku Lovers

2008-10-20T14:59:00.002-04:00

I ran around today for three hours shopping for my Halloween costume. I ended up going in a different direction, but I think I got it down. I went into several Stripper/Sex stores looking for something that might help me along. I ended up with this awesome pink puffy skirt, which totally goes along with my Hello Kitty shirt. I'm gonna look rockin'! This shall be the best Halloween costume since the 4th grade when I was a Cat Gypsy. (I so hope you aren't taking any of this seriously, otherwise, where is your sense of humor???) I'm not kidding though, this is a great costume so far. I was a little scared earlier because I spent 55 dollars on stuff to get me set up, but I have everything else pretty much, I just need the Bubble Gum style jewelry and the stick on hearts and gems for my face make up and I'll be set. Super Kawaii!!!!
So, writing my Profile on the boyfriend is going eh...I got 400 words down and I'm sitting there reading it over and over again, going, "Nope, I know what he'll say to that", remove some words, continuing, "Ugh, that's not good" removing that. I feel like I am doing that more than actually writing a paper and then it isn't even decent anyway. I'm quite frustrated. I read a ton of books, newspaper articles, magazine articles, every day...I should be able to write a decent paper like it's no problem. Apparently it is a problem.

Last Empress

2008-10-19T22:52:00.005-04:00

I haven't updated this part of my blog lately so I figured I'd fill you in. I have been reading the sequel to Empress Orchid and it is amazing. I really love how this is written. It is based off the real events, but slightly fictionized for your reading pleasure. I read the book, "Empress" and that was all about sex and yada yada yada, but Empress Orchid and Last Empress have been more along the lines of female empowerment. Love it.
I've recently been reading three books at once, but just finished Iran Awakening, so now it is two. I've been trying to complete The Namesake(another must read) and Last Empress. Next I want to try "Lipstick Jehad(???)" recommended by my Middle Eastern Art teacher. I keep thinking "Lipstick Jungle" which is a book by Candace Bushnel and a horrible TV series, but no relation what so ever.
I mentioned the "Russian Concubine" earlier, but I read 5 pages of that and had to stop. It was HORRIBLE. It reminded me of books I read as a child. Simply written in a manner for the simple minded. Give me a break, I want something that has potential to change my life people, not remind me of the writing style of "Nancy Drew"...thanks... I need more books to read though. Apparently Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked, is writing a new book, so I am curious.
I'll keep ya posted.

TTD with BeepBot Round 2

2008-10-19T22:36:00.002-04:00

I didn't end up spray painting the dress today. I felt maybe that was too extreme for the first round. I may paint the dress later instead. Mon felt that spray painting was too toxic for her, so we just went to some water and did some fun stuff. I've been trying to keep to the same surroundings for each girl, so mon was by water the first time and once again this second time.
I really love this image. I think the lake is beautiful and I love how wind swept she looks. Even though that dress was like 10 times her size, it was only 10 bucks and I love that kimono... it all worked out even with no spray painting.
I'm very excited to keep going with this project. I think everyone has been having a great time just being crazy. Alot of my girls feel pretty liberated afterward. I swear its the pretty dress in a weird location. No one would ever go where we have gone in a dress, and get all nitty gritty. It's awesome!
After a way too long work meeting for no special reason I am now going to go write my Profile Essay thingy on my love, I hope this one knocks my teacher's socks off. I'm determined!!

Le Card

2008-10-19T12:58:00.002-04:00

So, this is the first version of my Postcard for Digiclass. Opinions anyone?? I think it's pretty, can't wait to have 300 of them!!!!

Turn and look in cameruh, like an old friend.

2008-10-19T11:34:00.002-04:00

My birthday and halloween are quickly approaching. I can't believe how fast October is going. This semester is just a jumble, it has been really hard to follow a pattern or get into a groove. I don't know what the deal is. I think i've mentioned that I've been feeling this way so far this semester in previous posts, but I thought by now, half way done, it'd be a little better. Nah, I still feel all off balance. But, anyway. For Halloween I've decided to be a Japanese Harajuku Girl. Ya know, those super crazy fashionistas with the crazy colors and childish costume jewelry. I'm super excited. I've been looking for ideas off the internet and I stumbled upon this Hello Kitty Robot.
Dude. How frickin' cute is that? I need it. I really wish I was in Japan right now...Seriously, I will someday get there. I'm determined now. That Hello Kitty Robot has totally made my decision, gotta go to Japan.
Today I will be photographing Monbot spray painting a dress, this should be very interesting... I hope it goes well, I'm actually not sure about spray painting. Plus, it's so damn cold out. I hate the cold, ugh.
I can't wait for it to snow though so I can photograph TTD in that. I got some sweet ideas.
I'll post a photo with the spray paint results later, i really hope this doesn't end up being a mistake....

TTD With Kirtsen

2008-10-18T19:38:00.003-04:00

I had a really awesome day today with Kirsten. She was the lucky girl who got to wear my Senior Prom dress that I had designed. When I thought of the scene for the dress I saw rocks and bricks. Old abandoned buildings in the middle of fields are perfect.

It's Dictionary Day!!!!

2008-10-16T17:09:00.002-04:00

I find it really humorous that my college sends me important e-mails with subject lines like, "It's Dictionary Day!". That's very fulfilling. I'm glad someone told me, because I would have been so upset if I had missed dictionary day. Let me go grab my Webster right now so we can spend some quality time together looking up definitions to words I'll most likely never use and if I did, I'd get strange looks from people. So thanks college for sending me worthless e-mails, I appreciate it.

Zephyrs in the sky are only leaders in disguise

2008-10-15T23:25:00.002-04:00

After a successful crit today, some wine, and great friends, I now sit here wondering why, oh why oh why, do I have to be writing about this bitch, Abigail Solomon-Godeau, all over again???
Death to the topic of postmodernism. I shouldn't have done so poorly in the first place. I wrote a decent paper.
This is where I shake my fist in anger at something.
Oh, and pardon my french, but I am frustrated, you'd curse too.

Floral Fans Fluttering

2008-10-14T17:04:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow at 9 AM I have a big crit on my senior thesis pieces. I'm sort of excited because it will be the first real critique I've had so far semester. The funny thing is I haven't given my teacher my Thesis Statement yet. Oh well...at some point I'll sit down and think it through. I mean, I know why I am doing it, I just need to lay it out on paper for others to read.
My Hahnemule paper is working out just dandy, but it might be a little too creamy for my taste. I'm just not a cream kinda girl. I'm more of an ivory kinda girl or glossy. Ooo, glossy is even better. Today during my ever so fun digital class we had a visit from ColorMunki! Don't get too excited, it's not actually a monkey and even though it was informative, I'd rather have been informed in a cooler room, not a computer lab trying to be a sauna. Especially since I don't feel well, heat only makes matters worse.
Would you like to know what colormunki is?? Well, I don't feel like writing it out... It looks like your friendly tape measurer but more technological and more for measuring colors.
I failed my Personal Essay(surprise!!!) Some day I will get it right. I don't know when and I defintely don't know how, but I'll get it, I swear. Now our new assignment is writing about someone else. COOL! The boyfriend has had a great life, maybe he will let me write about him. Otherwise, if anyone wants to tell me their life story the only requirement is to be interesting and fun to write about. That's not asking much.
I'm almost done reading "Iran Awakening" by Shirin Ebadi. I highly reccomend. Along with all the books I have read so far for Middle Eastern Art, this book is such an eye opener and full of information I never knew(some because I wasn't born yet or I was just too young to have understood) It really is fascinating stuff. Where's the Japanese and Chinese culture class??? I need to take that next.
I have to begin making my postcard for Digital Class. I'm super excited to make 300 postcards About, maybe 30 of them will be given out to friends and family and the rest I get stuck with. great.... I have to shell out 75.00 dollars I don't have for a bunch of postcards. I guess if I choose my photograph wisely enough I can use it as a business card, but the photo I want to use(which I can't post because it is still in negative form, not scaned yet) might not be my favorite in about 15 years. Hm. Opinions on the result would be greatly appreciated.

Lost:USB Stick named Ocelot

2008-10-13T18:11:00.002-04:00

On Saturday I bought an external hard drive in order to store the overflowing amount of photographs I was beginning to build up. I also purchased a small USB 4GB stick so I could take a small amount to school when things needed to be printed and the other what nots. 20 bucks for 4 GBs is a steal. I named my XHardD Tigeress and my stick Ocelot, to awesome large cats and I know how dorky I sound, but I won't own something called, "My Book" and "Untitled", it's just not my character.
Because I named them I created bonds with them, again, I know I sound really crazy, but this is my stuff, it'll be with me for as long as it lives, we need to bond.
I took the USB stick, Ocelot to school with me today in order to print my Senior works. I was happy. It's just a cute little black stick and it had all 30 images I needed. Very reliable. Well, the worst thing happened on the way back from school on the train... I lost my USB stick....Ocelot fell out of my wallet and into the small crevous of my train seat and deep down in the pit of the train...I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried. I was frustrated because it was new, it had 30 images on it, and I lost it. I pray that NO ONE finds it, and Ocelot will rest in peace keeping my images safe from the crazies.
I figured I'd just go back to Best Buy and purchase another one. Nope, apparently 20 bucks is the sale price of a 4 GB stick and from Saturday to today the price jumped 22 dollars. Dude, even gas prices don't jump 22 dollars in 2 days(thank God) but how was I suppose to know???? I inquired to the guy at the register and his attitude problem probably came from the stick shoved too far up his ass. When it rang out 41 dollars and Mr. Pisspants wasn't going to be helpful in anyway, I left without buying anything. As someone who also works in retail(sadly...) I feel that the proper thing to have done is ask a manager if it was on sale, or why the price is different, not shoot me down instantly in a manner I'd associate with the traits of a pig or an ass. Thanks nasty Best Buy guy, you just lost a customer. Am I wrong?
Needless to say, I now have a 2GB stick and have yet to name it. I am still mad at myself for losing Ocelot. All I wanted to do was have a conveinent way to transport photos...is that too much to ask for???

It's like a sexy scene from an old porn movie.

2008-10-12T21:51:00.002-04:00

I got my friend to buy me a smoke machine and went all out for this photoshoot. From high heels to thigh highs, my friend and I rocked it. She's an awesome model. Thank goodness for her.
I felt like I was moving away from my normal style(naked chicks) so I decided to change that tonight with this boudoir style photo. It rocked. We set off the fire alarm inside the house with all the smoke. My friend was impressed with how she looked as a silhouette. It really was like out of an old sex movie. I shot in 800 ISO to add super grain, turned off my Sigma flash and let it roll. I had to do a "No, it's not photoshopped" series so I figured the smoke would add an interesting sheen over the image. It made the background look like the house was on fire. Yummyyyyy. I should make these my Senior Thesis instead, I took 220 images. That's a whole hell of alot and they mostly all look fabulous.
Alot of the other photos are more risque than this, but I lovvveeee how this has this strange glow going on. I'm really excited, as I am sure you can tell.
On another note, I hope no one minds the music I posted. It's feel good music, enjoy it.
Tomorrow is my doctor's appointment which will let me know(I hope) what's wrong with me. Then printing my some what finished works. Blah. Should be interesting. I have alot to do this week.(Do I say that every week?) But I feel like I really mean it this time. 3 papers, photos, readings, I'll never sleep.
I am off to write my Personal Essay, this should be fun.

Dooooooddddeee

2008-10-12T08:14:00.001-04:00

High Speed Photography

Can anyone name the photographer who originally came up with this idea? 20 pts. to the first person that gets it!!

Let's hug it out

2008-10-09T20:09:00.002-04:00

For Digital class I had to take a photo of myself and retouch it, airbrush it, fix it, whatever. I made myself look like a cute(yet scary) Anime character. I know you are soooo jealous and want me to do the same to a photo of you. Hmm????

A new direction

2008-10-08T13:23:00.002-04:00

So lately I have been feeling like my photographs are not to the point where I can say, "yes, this is exactly what I want", I've been feeling the complete opposite, they haven't been hitting the potential that I expect of myself. But I just had an idea... With a few lightroom presets to be my guide I have decided to go in the direction of a dark color scheme that so far seems to be enhancing my TTD photos more the way I'd like them to be. It's still not where I want, but hopefully after this coming Sunday shoot I may push my boundaries and get there. I hope.

I love how I've been posting nonstop since 12:30.

Wifi your camera

2008-10-08T12:55:00.001-04:00

My friend just emailed me this link. This is interesting.
http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/eye-fi-wifi-memory?src=instructables

The Salmon Dilemma

2008-10-08T12:28:00.003-04:00

Salmon sounds good for lunch right? Especially with some yummy steamed veggies, mmm. Or at least that's what I expected to eat when I got home just now from school and I was very disappointed to discover this would not be the case.
I went to get the fish to defrost and cook up, I thought it was the same brand we had been buying, or at least that's what the boy seemed to believe. The brand that we normally buy is 140 calories for 4 oz. (you are probably thinking at this moment, uhhh, calories??? Wuh?) I am health conscious, so I look on the back for nutritional info. So keep in mind the amount for the original 4 oz.
I look on the back of the 'new brand' supposedly the original for its calorie count.
220 cals for 4 oz. WHOAAAA THERE. Excuse me? if this is the same brand as what was previously purchased we have a problem. Someone has been lying to me about calories and now has decided to be honest and bump it up a lil' too much for my taste. If one brand is 140 for 4 oz how can another brand be 220 for 4 oz.? I don't get it. Does one have more chemicals than the other? But they are suppose to be Wild Caught Alaskan, that's the whole point of eating it. Wild is better than farmed and no chemicals added... or so I thought. It seems that that is the only logical explaination for the increase of calories. Or am I missing something here? I definitely won't be consuming 220 calories of salmon when I know 140 lurks out there somewhere. If they were lying, well, that's a big problem. Companies shouldn't lie about calories, some people take it very seriously, especially those who are trying to lose weight. Now I am not trying to lose weight, I am trying to maintain, but I still care about honesty and what I put into my body. So weird. As I had been excited about on my train trip home from school to eat salmon, I am sorely disappointed and left up in the air.
Next they will be telling me that my Kashi bars aren't good for me any more :( Say it ain't so!

Artist of the Week

2008-10-08T07:12:00.001-04:00

Akif Hakan

I love it. The end. I am actually rushing to write a three page paper this morning on why my school should have an exhibition for this wonderful fashion photographer. I completely forgot about the 3 page part.... Have mercy on my slowly declining brain, I am a senior ya know.

Photoshop blues

2008-10-07T21:55:00.002-04:00

I'm feeling sort of frustrated right now. I'm looking at the work I did on Sunday with Kelly and I still don't feel I've hit the right note. I'm looking at my shitty print outs from my passe printer and wondering if it's any better than last time.
The photos hanging out on my screen don't look the way I'd like and they definitely aren't the awesome digital photographs I see on personal web pages.
What am I doing wrong? If my digital class didn't move so much at a snails pace then maybe I'd be where I'd like to be.
At this point I'm debating taking out a film camera because fill always works out for me. It's just expensive. Really expensive and so far I've been saving alot of money this semester by not doing the film deal. If I had more Photoshop know how I might actually be were I hoped to be. Hurmph.

TTD Round Two with Kel

2008-10-05T23:43:00.002-04:00

This is part of what I did today. I did a much more trashier trash the dress with kelly again. And by much more I mean, mucking out horse stalls and rollin' in dirt. Is that trashy enough now for you Mr. Teacher?
These photos were actually better than the last batch, but I will probably mix the two since they are two different dresses and great photos overall. It was an awesome start to my day.
Then we went to Goodwill in search of dresses needing to be trashed. I found one, which is actually a pretty ivory dress. It was ten bucks! Kel got this hideous pink 80s number for 10 as well. I am super excited. I need to go to some more thrift stores and find some more dresses.
The rest of my day went slightly down hill, but whateve'. I have alot of work to do this week. It's October my friends, which means its midterm, and crap just kicked up a knotch. Holy moly.

Jet Lag without the Jet

2008-10-05T00:14:00.002-04:00

I am awake. It is 12:14 AM and I don't feel like sleeping. Although I was tired on my drive home from my friend's humble abode, but now I feel wide awake. I also thought my love was awake and waiting for my arrival, man was I wrong. He's passed out. I can't wake him up and he's snoring!! Ugh.

I am totally loving the October lighting. I seriously believe that October has the best lighting situations every day. I don't know why, it must be the change of season, but I remember every October since I have been at art school, having beautiful photographs done in October. Yay birthday month! I am excited about the party coming up. Hopefully all will go well.
Photos above are from a horse show I went to at my friend's family farm. I got that cool photo of the horse jumping and the dude in the trailer kept neighing like crazy. He looked so funny hanging out. And yes that is my boyfriend with a dog's head in his crotch. That is our friend's dog, Lola. She's the sweetest, cutest, and toughest dog. She's a natural born hunter and has the nose scar to prove it.
It's going to be a couple crazy weeks in October with school. Ohhhh boy.

Another must read

2008-10-04T09:45:00.001-04:00

I saw the movie the namesake and I fell in love. I immediately went out and bought the book right after the movie was finished. If the movie is that good, then the book must be amazing.
So far so good.

8 more weeks...

2008-10-02T22:10:00.002-04:00

Half of my 16 week semester is done. Weird. I don't feel like the days are really days. I feel like the hours are slipping away before I can even get anything done.
For example, today I was sitting in another three hour long class. I looked at the clock it was 4:30, looked at the clock again it was 5:50... How is this possible? It only felt like 10 minutes went by! This strange phenomenon has got to stop.
I've been in school for a month and I don't know where that time went. It's really not a normal school year so far.

I feel ill. I've been drinking Mint tea trying to soothe my angry belly. My test is scheduled for next Monday, so I won't get to the bottom of this for probably another two weeks... blah.

Personal Essay

2008-10-01T21:11:00.004-04:00

My media teacher insists that I need to write more in a style that sounds like I am holding a conversation. All my life I have been taught to write in a robotic form that when my teacher makes me read it aloud, I sound funny. Not funny haha, funny totally not my actual thought process or how I talk to anyone. If I really spoke like the way I wrote, I probably wouldn't have any friends.
I decided that the only way to break myself of this habit is to write my personal essay in my blog. That way I'd actually manage to sort of sound like I am having a conversation with someone else(you, my dear readers are my loyal editors) So here is my first draft of my personal essay. If anyone really is interested in giving an opinion, be my guest. I just find it strange that when I write in my blog I write in the style my teacher prefers. But tell me to write for class and this all goes out the window. I wonder why? Well, anyway, you've been warned. This is personal. I hope I don't freak anyone out.

When a teacher decides to ask me, "what makes you unique?" I kind of scrunch my eye browns together and make a face similar to a wrinkled up paper bag. I'd first think, which is why I am making that face(I am thinking)about why this is so important to another human being besides my friends and family. I'd probably give the response that goes along the lines of, I am unique because I am who I am. I've lived my life for almost 22 years and plan to keep truckin' until the bucket's kicked out from under me by, hopefully, old age. For those almost 22 years I've experienced a number of personal essay worth experiences to talk about and share, but I'd rather just pick and choose the details from all those stories because they have all, in combination, made me who I am. It'd be silly of me to just pick one and say that this one story makes me different from everyone else. I don't like to show favortism. So in a broad sort of way I'd rather explain how bit by bit these interesting stories have made me the person that I find to be unique from every other person in the world.
Let's begin with the fact that I am artistic. There are people in the world who are not artistic. They have been born with no talent what so ever that is taught at my school. They are not me and I am not them for this really big reason. I kind of like that about myself and it took me a couple of years to accept that having talent ain't so bad. You're probably wondering why I felt that being artistic was a bad thing, I shall explain. Growing up I was bullied for enjoying the act of drawing. Having some sort of a talent and that steroetypical artistic personality made some kids not so fond of me. Now at almost 22 I can make a much more confused face about how people believed having a talen was a bad thing. Really...I wish I could go back and talk to those kids and ask them what was so frightening about someone being more talented than they ever could be; I'd like that answer. But I let bygones be bygones and am happy that my artistic personality is forever going to be a part of my life.
I did not become artistic on my own, who ever does? I was nudged in the direction by my grandfather, father of my father. What an amazing man. To this day I still cry when I think of the day he died. He truly was a blessed man with every intention to make sure I succeeded as an artist. When I visited my grandparents, I rushed downstairs to see him. I wanted to learn everything he knew about art. I watched him paint, I watched him draw. I listened to his explainations and I was overjoyed when he told everyone in my family that I was the artist. I was special and what child doesn't want to feel special? My grandfather's dying words still echo through my mind. It's hard for me to write them down for anyone else to know. If you asked me, I'd probably cry before I could speak them. I devote my passion for art to my grandfather.
But enough with being sentimental, let's go on to something else that makes me cooler than others. How about I discuss when I turned 18 and my freedom went up a few knotches. I ran out and got my first tattoo, something I designed. A week after that I went and pierced my nipples. I bet you didn't think I was that hardcore. Well, I wanted to express who I was, and that number gave me all the tools I needed to do it. My parents could disapprove all they wanted, but I was 18 and trying to control me was useless.

I just totally removed a huge chunk from this thing because I reread it and felt I sounded so conceded. I left a little bit, but.... it still doesn't sound like me... what the hell?!?!?! Why can't I just write like I talk? Why is that soooo hard?????

Artist of the week

2008-09-30T20:44:00.001-04:00

Maggie Taylor is a master of the Photoshop layer. Love her.
http://www.maggietaylor.com/flash.html

Hey You! Lip My Stocking!

2008-09-30T15:54:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I get to go to the doctor and miss class. Woohoo! No art museum for me!
I don't feel as bad as I did yesterday, but I don't feel great either. Maybe my body just accepts the fact that I am internally screwed up, who knows.
Another boring day of digital class. I wish someone would just go in for the kill and teach me how to do Photoshop stuff like Maggie Taylor or Julieanna Kost. Let's just get to the point people and learn the basics along the way. No need to take the long road. Please, it saves you the trouble of talking and me the trouble of forcing myself to at least hear some of what you are saying...
My media teacher actually said that my new Opinions paper was somewhat successful at sticking to structure! DUDE, hell froze over! Everybody dance! He used me(once again) as the subject for class and handed out my paper to fellow students. I am not gloating here. I really didn't want that to happen nor did I want him to put any sort of focus on my writing. What I find funny is that it baffles him that a nonmajor student taking his class did the paper somewhat correctly. If this man would only sit down and talk to me, maybe he would understand me better... I am still trying to grasp the concepts of his idea of proper writing. I keep missing a few steps, but I'll get there damn it.
At a meeting today presented by Olympus(the ugly stepsister of digital cameras in my opinion) I sat in a pool of rusty water that seemed to have leaked from the ceiling and puddled on a chair. Nice. I love the feeling of wet jeans. I stayed for the presentation, but left right after... I'd rather be home anyway.
I just wanted to get home and change. That's it. Eat some veggies and cheese, maybe have a class of wine, I don't know... this creepy guy smiles at me from across the platform. My idea is that the further away I am the better. Well, McCreepster followed me down to another train car. Ugh. So I got nervous. I texted everyone. The thing that really freaked me out and made me wonder if this guy was really following me was the fact that he came up next to where I was sitting and stopped, contemplating if he would sit next to me.... He decided to sit a few seats back. I just felt like this was some clever monuevor on his part to hide himself from me. Well, I let him get off the train before me, and get swept up in the crowd, then I ran to my car and got home. I guess he wasn't interested in following me in the first place. I guess I was just paranoid, but when a creepy guy smiles at this petite girl, I always put myself on alert. Better to be safe than sorry I suppose.
Must begin writing personal essay for Media class...what am I going to talk about?

When you are feeling low

2008-09-29T17:07:00.002-04:00

When you are feeling low(especially on energy like myself) why not think of some pleasant things to boost the mood? So I decided to list some of my favorite wines. Yummy.
1.) Jerry Garcia: Merlot and Sauvignon
2.) The Tin Dog: Merlot
3.) Pepperwood: Merlot and Sauvignon
4.) Jacob's: Merlot and Sauvignon
5.) Frontera: Merlot, Blanc, and Sauvignon/Merlot Mix

As you can tell I am mostly a merlot girl, but I do like the sauvignon. These are the top five that I've tried and I've had a few varieties. If I were to make a top, say, 20, then...
6.) Apex: Merlot
10.) Sutterhome: Merlot
13.) YellowTail: Merlot, Shiraz
14.) Turning Leaf: Merlot
18.) Barefoot: Merlot, Sauvignon
I don't know what would fill in the gaps because I don't think I've had it yet, but I can guarantee it would not push some of those wines I listed out of their spots.
On a side note and completely unrelated:
I hate being a chick sometimes...

Mysterious

2008-09-28T18:40:00.001-04:00

I took digital photos, but they look so cool in black and white. I miss the darkroom.

Bloat

2008-09-27T23:58:00.002-04:00

All together....
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! I frickin' love this photo from today's wedding.

I prefer pretty

2008-09-24T15:35:00.002-04:00

So today my teacher saw the beginnings of my Senior thesis. I feel like I have accomplished something. I like the photographs I have taken so far for this project.
My teacher only thinks its a 'good start'. Ok, fine, whatever. He doesn't understand where I am coming from. He doesn't get trash the dress, the concept is beyond him. He think my photographs should be more of a play on feminism than Pretty Fashion photos. Oh well, I like what I shot. A girl in my class(who doesnt like me) said that to her the dresses aren't fancy enough but she was too far away to tell. Well, keep your mouth shut then. If you aren't willing to get out of your seat to take a look then don't assume.
I am going to keep a few of these photos because I enjoy them, but yes, I am going to go in a more extreme direction, I think I have to.

Is it that time of year or what?

2008-09-23T16:48:00.003-04:00

I came home from school today and was in desperate need of coffee. I got myself some and now I feel better.
I just can't get into the swing of things this semester. Is it because everything just feels like a messy room? Some things over there, some things right there, some things under the bed.... I don't feel like I have progressed very far this semester and next week I will have been in school for a month. A month?! Time flies when you are sitting through classes. (I wish I had more coffee...) Speaking of sitting through classes, today was a real painful day. I was so bored I just wanted to get outside and run around. Plus I was uncomfortable...bad choice of boots and jeans today, ugh not in the mood.
I know I mentioned that my Media teacher is probably a demon sent from the Underworld to claim my soul and it was definitely reiterated today when I got my Opinions paper back. I worked my ass off on that paper. I rewrote I don't know how many times. I tried. I tried REALLY hard... especially for 800 words. That's almost two pages worth of my thoughts. Apparently the man doesn't understand my thoughts and I can't express them well enough. Hm... if I flip you the middle finger is that considered expressing myself properly? He keeps asking me if I really "talk like that in real life" well, gosh, I don't know, I guess? Why don't you? He has only heard me speak under his gaze, which is sort of intimidating(I don't like being intimidated by people... but I guess it happens)... so I don't speak as easily as I normally would if with a group of friend or when writing a paper. In any case, Mr. Death Eater gave me a D- on my paper. At least it wasn't an F... silver lining? Ah well... I've had worse crits on my photographs than this guy, so I guess it just kinda hurts me but I recover quickly. Not that I don't take to heart what he is telling me is wrong, I want to learn... but I also want him to stop picking on me too.
Yea, he really seems to find some sort of interest in me. He thinks I am crazy because his class isn't required but I took it anyway. (I am totally into S&M dude, keep it comin') I kind of stood up to him today because I was tired of him not getting what I wanted to say. He then told me that if I said what I had just told him I would have had a better paper already.
......you could have told me this sooner...
I guess I just need to listen and take it one step at a time... anyone else would have liked my paper and given me an A(or so I hope). Whatever... I have to rewrite this thing for the effin' millionth time for next Tuesday because kids in the class are also Masochists who love pain...
On a much lighter note, the love and I successfully made sushi! It was delicious. I wish I made it every day. I will post pictures of our master piece later so you can drool over it.

More of Kelly

2008-09-22T14:06:00.003-04:00

Here is some more of my work, I didn't want to put my little watermark on it, but it is copyrighted so there. The colors always come out weird when I upload so I may put it on my blog. What am I doing wrong? Even when I print out my photos the colors are all weird.
I really love this photo. I wish more of my photographs captured such a haunting beauty.

Persepolis

2008-09-22T13:59:00.003-04:00

This has probably become one of the best books I have read in my entire life. Even if it is a graphic novel, it's an amazing story with great information. I am so fascinated with it that on the train ride home I had dove so deep into reading I almost missed my stop. This has become one of the top books I recommend to others to read.

Round One of Kelly's TTD!

2008-09-21T19:32:00.004-04:00

I have some pretty wicked friends man. They do the coolest stuff for me. Thank God for them!
Here is Kelly and Schug! This is round one of Kelly's TTD shoots. I love them allllll. We ran every where on her farm and it rocked. I am super lucky that I have a great friend who's family owns a farm and has her own horse. I am paying her back with a bottle of Jerry Garcia wine later, haha. So far this Senior Theisis has been going pretty well. I won't count my chickens before they hatch though. I do need more models! I only have about 5 so far, I need to ask this other girl I know, she'll probably say yes so thats 6, I'd love more. Someone? Anyone? I think I may put a sign up at school asking if anyone wants to run around philly with me. We shall see.
My weekend wasn't bad. I need to read, I am reading Persopolis for Middle Eastern Art. I know that was made into a movie, I saw snips of it here and there, it should be an interesting read. I will let you know.
That's all! Photo On!

To start my weekend

2008-09-19T08:21:00.002-04:00

I am so glad I woke up and found this. I love you Perez Hilton for posting such a funny photo! Who wants to be my model so we can recreate it?
Where is Tina Fay when I need her....

Sorry if I offend you, just ignore me.

New Artist

2008-09-17T20:20:00.002-04:00

http://www.kennyong.com/

I saw a photograph in the back of pdnedu magazine. I was so impressed and inspired by Kenny's work. I actually thought about trying to do this in correlation with my TTD shoots. I want to learn how to do that...

Praise Kenny Ong and his awesome Photoshop skills!

Flirtatious

2008-09-16T18:04:00.002-04:00

I played around in Lightroom with this photo and with black and white preset plus semi infrared preset, Monica has turned from pie hungry girl to Zombie eating brains. When the images played across the screen today during class I laughed because of how funny Monica looked but also how gross that pie looked. It was really hard to tell if you were suppose to laugh or feel disgusted. I loved it.
So I am still trying desperately to come up with a really unique idea for my Senior thesis. Yea, I want to do TTD, but I need something more to push the envelope. I thought about making 4x6 prints and sewing them into a dress once all shoots had been finished, but that still seems simple(or at least lil' too crazy in the wrong way) I'd like to try something else, but I dont know what.
I worked with Polaroid lifts last year. I love them. You take transparency film, this cool machine(so simple its like a mini enlarger that fits in your lap) put some polaroids underneath, expose, and take the polaroid, heat it, and remove the image from the paper backing. It floats in the water like a jelly fish. Using asatate, remove the image and shape into desired framing. Place image on any surface, then let dry. That's my simplified version of Polaroid Lift.
I made these awesome Boudoir Polaroid lifts(I was inspired after finding out about my sister in law's shoot with Kamila, thanks for being awesome!) I got a really good grade on that project and alot of praise. I thought about doing more Boudoir Polaroid lifts because the others were such a success and making them into "Naughty Cards". I don't know. I am allowed to experiment as much as I like. I have no limitations senior year. I just wish some far out idea would just smack me in the head and I would finally be inspired to do something no one else has really done.
I am sure at some point the idea will hit me and I will figure it all out. Until then I will continue to photograph girls in dresses.

Photographic and deadly

2008-09-15T07:56:00.002-04:00

I feel funny this morning. I am sure it's nothing, but I feel like I have a cold coming on or maybe I am just allergic to school? Hm.
The photo from yesterday looks weird to me, I think it's because I save it in a low res to save space so it comes out paler than the original.
Yesterday the love and I went to this Asian Food Market and I was so overwhelmed by the stuff I wanted I just kept circling the store. It was the cutest store and as soon as I walked in it felt like walking into a different world. They had quail eggs marketable in containers of 2 dozen because they are soooo tiny! They had whole squids packed into meat packaging. And and and live eel!!! We got alot of stuff to make sushi and what not. I am super excited. I want to eat Asian. I want to be Asian. Looking at the ingredients and calories of food in that market comparing it to things created by the American food industry there is a big difference. The food in this market had lower calories and less, if not none, preservatives. Everything tells you is MSG free, so you feel a bit comforted. I bought these peanut butter machi balls(kinda weird...) but they are a rice ball stuffed with peanut butter. How cool? My love got these little green ball things that remind me of whoopers candy but are sweetened seaweed. I know that probably sounds disgusting but they are SOOOO good. I had an awesome day of food shopping.
Photos went well with Monica, I had the idea in my head since tuesday so I worked it out up to yesterday. It's weird I tried just using my on camera flash, but I feel like I am a lights kinda girl. I need to take out some lights next weekend, I felt naked without a softbox.
I have to be off now. Peace.

Feeling tense

2008-09-14T19:49:00.001-04:00

Photo from shoot today for Digital Class. Pie is yummy!

I am an Interior Photographer!

2008-09-12T23:16:00.002-04:00

I want a shirt that says "My boyfriend knows his wood, does yours?" how awesome would that be????? I am not kidding either! My love is a custom wood worker, he really does know his woods. He also does an amazing job on every piece of work he puts together. He is creative and meticulous right down to the very fine details. I praise everything he works on. Here is a photo from a kitchen he just finished. It's beautiful and I know you want it.

Some photos from the UPenn Exhibition

2008-09-12T08:51:00.004-04:00

I want this guy to be my friend... this is Erwin Wurm. He's nuts. He gets lost in his sweaters and can't get out.

This photo is by Diane Arbus(also not in the show but I like this image, how ironic) I really enjoy her whacky subject choice. She's crazy and it's cool.
This photo is by Nan Goldin, now it's not the one in the show(I couldn't find it), but it is one of my favorites that she has taken.
Sally Mann's photograph, like I said, children and ciggies just don't go together.

Cindy Sherman had some photos up, but I won't put all the photos from the show up. Just look and enjoy!
P.S. all of these photos came off various websites, people's blogs and whatnot.

Go there!

2008-09-11T18:51:00.002-04:00

If I knew how to work the labels section of my blog I would be creating a new section for artists I think you would enjoy and galleries to visit whenever you have the chance, but I don't know how to work it or get my twitter page on here so my blog stays boring and simple until someone tells me what to do....
Until then...
Classes went well today. They pretty much flew by. 10-5:30 wasn't a bad deal. My Middle East Art class was awesome because we watched a cool video on Morocco(need to go... or at least eat Moroccan food right now) Media was ok, my teacher is funny, but still a jerk. For Critical issues we went to some galleries. I recommend the U.Penn show not the ICA show...
ICA was a comic strip show of weird looking characters having weird looking sex. Robert Crumb probably was a genius and only one of a kind, but he had one hell of a effed up mind. I got out of there as soon as I thought I could and came home. (my teacher wanted us to go up 30 minutes away from where we already were and I said, NO...)
The U.Penn exhibition was beautiful. I took a book from the show that displays all the photographs that were there... Sally Mann had some photos.... Nan Goldin.... Diane Arbus.... Meatyard....and so on. I loved it. It was finominal! The photograph from nan Goldin was one I had never seen before, but then again I am not a huge fan and don't really look at her work, but you see the same ones when people do presentations on her in class, this one was new.
Sally Mann, if you have ever heard of her, is a wonderful photographer who received alot of criticism because she photographed her children...(nude, smoking, and other things children should not be doing) If you forget about that part of her photographs you will truly see the beauty behind the image and the elegance of it all. Sally Mann knows how to take a photograph.
Meatyard is a little weird for my taste. He photographs the oddest things...like... men with prostectic arms and people doing normal things wearing halloween masks. He really is an odd duck but takes great photographs.
If I knew how to work labels this one would go under weird stories of my day...
First thing this morning I was hit on by a guy on the train who did not read just any book, but stuff like Moby Dick "thick books like this thick"...
Give me a break dude.
Is that the first book that came to mind when you saw me reading a "thick book" because when you were in high school you didnt want to read Moby Dick because it was a "thick book"? Puhleez.
He actually sat next to me. He sat on the otherside of the train, but when he said "What are you reading?" and I(not a mean person) said "A book that only females could enjoy" he came over and sat next to me.
Men, let me tell you something... That is not an invitation to sit next to me. That is definitely a sign I want you to leave me alone and let me read.
Besides who sits next to a stranger like that? He like snuggled on me. ew.
After me putting alot of effort into not being interested in talking to him(which did not work well at first) he got up and left me to read. Thank you. But don't feel too bummed "Thick Book" Guy, I will laugh about you later and write about you in my blog. Just next time don't bother me while I am reading, it's rude.

In love

2008-09-10T21:07:00.000-04:00

http://www.eoloperfido.com/portfolio.htm
I drool
I worship

Senior Project Decision 2008

2008-09-10T15:59:00.002-04:00

I had this awesome idea for my senior thesis project today. I finally had my Workshop class and sitting there I was wondering what I could possibly do that would leave a remaining mark resembling my name at school. I know I said I wanted to do something relating to TTD and I still do, but I had another idea connected to that. It might be more complicated than this tiny person can handle, but it is worth a shot. I just need to discuss it with my teachers first. They may think it's really complicated and unnecessary.
I must be feeling tense from school because my throat is tight and driving me crazy! Every time I come home from school I just get into doing my homework. So from one thing I jump right into the other. The only reason I am updating my blog is because I am procrastinating. I need to write a draft fro my Media class. Bleh. I also need to begin entries on my Evolution journal. Any interesting scientific articles out there?? I should just watch the discovery channel and write about that.
Which brings me to the next thing I wanted to say! I saw a beautiful photography exhibition today by this guy...
Southwest Alaska: A World of Parks and Wildlife Refuges at the Crossroads:
The Photographs of Robert Glenn Ketchum
What an interesting man, but a little strange. That does not bother me, you gotta be strange to be an artist. He has some great aerial views of Alaska. They were these GIANT prints from medium format color printed on Fuji paper. He explained the tundras of Alaska and the wild salmon populations as well as the large popularity of herring in Tokyo.(mmmm, japan, I wish I was there....) He was a bit too forward about the election, but everyone has a right to their opinion. His show is exhibited in this large old building with great lighting. I've noticed over the years of going to exhibitions that lighting sometimes can be really harsh and make you anxious to leave the place, but this wasn't the case. I really enjoyed looking at his nature shots. He originally ran around with The Doors and Cream(lucky man!!) and photographed rock bands when he was younger. Now he spends his days photographing wildlife in Alaska. Check it out!

Thank you Lightroom

2008-09-09T19:24:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day of my photography classes. I had my digital class with a teacher I had previously for Intro to Photo. She's a very nice woman and I think she will teach me alot. It's a slow start only because many of the other students have not worked thoroughly in Photoshop or Lightroom. I thank the wedding photographers who have been so kind to let me assist them for my experience in both these programs. I tried really hard to work in both so that I could jump ahead of the game and get some understanding under my belt. I feel like I am a quick learner when it comes to computer programs of this sort, so I hope my teacher can further my knowledge.
Anyyywaaaayyyyy
My Writing teacher claims I sound awkward when I write. Do I sound awkward? Oh, no, he actually used the world "stilted". Wuh? Yea ok, I understand my first line of that stupid paper sounded a little far fetched, but at least I got him to read it aloud in a Old English accent. I really hope this guy will be the benefit to my health instead of vice versa, because he can be a real jerk. Sorry man, I wasn't born perfect, but please, shape me into a master piece.
I also hope that someday I will be able to use the skills this man has beaten into me, because otherwise the anxiety right now is definitely not worth it. Thanks mister for being the cause of twenty years getting knocked off my life, hope you are happy.
P.S. Totally knew what the guy wrote for a living, so not surprised. I just looked it up... I really am not surprised.

The crazed and the dazed...

2008-09-08T22:58:00.002-04:00

Here are some of our morning glories at their prime! The top is not a morning glory though, that is our precious kitty! She's looking at the really annoying Yorkie dogs next door who don't shut up. Ever. That is the first time I ever used my Autumn Preset in lightroom. You like?
I also started another blog for my Media class. It is called Classical Touchy Subjects, if you are interested in checking it out. Don't mind my opinions.
I am very tired, long day today and tomorrow... and the next day... and the next day. Weekend here I come!

Awesome Story

2008-09-07T13:59:00.002-04:00

I have a wonderful story for you. Hopefully you will laugh and enjoy it.
It's about the start of my day.

My love had the awesome idea of going on a kayak ride at our friend's home who just so happens to live on a lake. Convenient? I think so. We get there, it's a beautiful day outside, I do hope you are enjoying it. Pull out the kayaks and head on down the lake. We go down one of the parts branching off the big center and cruise along. Fun, fun, fun. I made the mistake of saying, "This is a great way to start the day." I probably angered someone and they were like "Oooooh, reaaalllly???" That saying will come back in bite me in the ass later on in the story...
So, we find this bridge, my love says "Let's see where it goes" we make our way under the bridge, tight squeeze, cars driving over head, and get to a small narrow creek. HE, decides to keep going... HE, laughs at me every time my paddle gets stuck on the low hanging trees. Boyfriends aren't so awesome when they are laughing at you getting frustrated... nor are they so awesome when you are screaming about the giant spider that has made it's way into your kayak and are deathly afraid of them, and you just want your "big strong man" to come save you from the "small spider the size of my palm". You can see where this is going.
So yes, the creek gets to narrow, time to turn around... but wait... how do we turn around? Can't, must go backwards(BACKWARDS???????? Are you effin' serious?) So we start to go backwards. I stupidly look down in my kayak to see the Godzilla of all spiders sitting in my kayak like he now owns it. Umm... someone feel sympathy for me here because my love certainly did not. (Nor did my mother when I told her the story, she just laughed...) So that big mean ugly spider must have heard me scream(I am sure people in the next town over heard me scream, so if that small spider didn't it, he must be deaf) My instant reaction is, must get away from spider immediately or will die; either of heartattack or fear, whatever claims my life first... So love comes over and tells me I need to calm down. CALM DOWN???? YOU calm down... YOU don't have a spider trying to take over your kayak and eat you! So he grabs a spider off the back of my kayak and says coast is clear. Ok... good... I made it out alive...
Someone has a sense of humor.
I look down again and there is ANOTHER one hanging out. Of course they come in pairs, how silly of me to think otherwise? I scream, and this one runs away. Good, stay as far away as possible and we will both make it out alive. Apparently this is one brave spider, and he comes strolling back up to me. This time, I begin to cry. I jump up onto my kayak(I really have no idea how the thing stayed balanced with me jumping on it) and my love comes back over and tries to get this one. Problem! It comes toward my leg and begins to try and climb up it, the little bastard is trying to escape! So the only option I had left was to abort mission.
Out of the kayak I jumped, right into creek sludge. Screaming, crying, and trying to save my flip flops...(R.I.P. flip flops, I will miss you...)
Spider gone.
Kat wet.
Sitll stuck in narrow creek.
Lets get the hell out of here.
Backwards we went. Under the bridge, back to the dock, and home... wet....tired...shaking...and mad.
I hope this story has made your day. I have successfully finished a big bowl of veggies while writing this. I hate spiders. I will never be going down that small creek again, so help me....

Scheherezade Goes West

2008-09-05T18:53:00.002-04:00

I have to read a book for my Middle East Art and Culture class called Scheherezade Goes West it is amazing so far and I have only read 3 chapters. Rarely enjoy books given to me to read by teachers. Normally I suffer. This book is informative and interesting. The author puts "harems" into perspective for ignorant Westerners. I love it. If you want a book that's not just straight non-fiction, but actually funny, this is definitely for you. I really like this teacher's book choice for class. The first time I had her I read "Guns, germs, and steel" by Jared Diamond and loved that. It's all non-fiction, but the writing is perfect for those who prefer fiction, but always wanted to read the N word of the literary world. Go for it.

"She chases tigers"

2008-09-04T21:01:00.002-04:00

Well, I am sure you few readers are wondering about the results of my first day of classes. I have endured 4 of my 6 classes today. Or perhaps the correct word is suffered...
Honestly, I think I set myself up to be fooled. My very first class at 10 am proves to be the coolest and probably the easiest. We are going to learn about trees!!! Oo, oo, and Darwinism! My teacher rocks, she is so laid back and excited about animals, I just want to pinch her cheeks! Although if I did I am sure she would slap me. She seems great though. But she was only the decoy, luring me into a false sense of security.
My second class...oh, that class, mmhmm, was not what I expected at all. See, I am required to take a few credits outside my major to experience a variety of fields so that I may still stay rounded. Well thanks college for throwing me into the lion's den, not just any lion either, a starved lion at that... My teacher, he seems pretty cool. Tall, 40, and in shape. Lives in NY, yada yada yada... he made some passing comments that make me believe he is a party animal, "I'll be drunk Monday night...." so I give him kudos for coolness on a personal level. On an academic level...nah so mooch. He's a little bit too anal for my taste and slightly too cruel. Especially since this is my elective not even something I am forced to take(sort of forced, but I have choices, I just have in interest in the field at hand) He shows no mercy. He walks around barefoot. He promises to fail us. Eh, he tells us he will fail us, because he needs to whip us into shape. NO. Not me. I am taking your class simply because its a must and it sounded fun. You, my dear sweet sarcastic teacher, don't seem like you will make this fun. I second thought keeping the class... my mother insists on trying it out. It's very frustrating and frightening. I consider myself a good writer(probably not in a blog, but yes, I can write a decent paper and sound smart) but my teacher insists he will make us better, he calls it writing bootcamp. Honey, I am a photographer, go easy on me....I was the opinions editor of my high school news paper, I'm good. I am actually his first non-major student.........................wuh?
Now what am I suppose to expect from that? Sympathy? Neglect? Or are you going to make me the focus of "what you shouldn't do..." in every class meeting?
Please don't, I don't like being the center of attention.
Then I had my next class. Aw, I love this teacher, but she rambles. Had her previously, super sweet, great taste in books, but a little dull on keeping everyone's attention. She's interesting though. She's been all over the middle east. She's actually an archaeologist, I respect that. She isn't too bad, it's just the dull rambling that can get to me.
Finally...how do I dive into this one? Oh I know, I think this teacher is a creepy asshole. He's evil. He's weird. He does not have proper social skills. And he is going to make this class seem to go on forever.
Hopefully there will be bits and pieces of things that happen that make this semester fly by, and fun... oh and I actually make it out alive, that would be awesome too.
That's how my day went, hope your day was better!

Good Morning!

2008-09-04T07:32:00.002-04:00

Soon I will be off to school! Very sleepy, did not sleep well. The good part is tomorrow I don't have school, ah, yay, I can sleep then!

Cheers! Have a wonderful day!

Endulge when nervous

2008-09-03T21:59:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow morning I will be off to endure my first day of classes. It's a very long day. I have 4 classes in a row; 10 oclock to 7 oclock... woohooo. Wish me luck! The only thing that could make me feel better right now is cake that looks just like that. Does anyone have some?

Photographing Stages

2008-09-03T10:04:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow begins a whole new round of school. I feel like I'm jumping at the bit to be let go and get it all over with, but at the same time, I am pulling back in a fit of nerves, wondering what will come with the new semester. It is probably not as bad as I make it out to be, and I am sure you are sick of reading about it, but still... if you've passed college or are still a sorry participant like myself, you understand in some way how the first day, first week, can be a mish mesh of anxiety and excitement. It's more so for me because it's my last year of college, my last year of school(I hope, you never know about grad school!) I am actually very happy that I bought a new lens over the summer. My 200mm is a beauty. I can't wait to use it.
Hopefully today will just creep by slowly. Although it is already 10 o'clock... ugh. Slow down time! Let me enjoy it! Grr

Dig it

2008-09-02T23:11:00.002-04:00

When I think about the summer I honestly feel like it should still be July. Where did July go? What the hell did I do in July? I know I went to NY for a day and a half(that was fun....) but did I accomplish anything? This is what get's me down when I think about school on Thursday. How does it go so fast that I'm already here? I feel like if I was constantly flying somewhere or going down to the beach that, yea, summer would go past like lightning, but this summer was sort of chilled. Man, I hope next summer is alot cooler and more fun. I think July should be a do over, then August, then I'll be back to this point feeling anxious about college. I have figured out my schedule I pretty much get the deal with that. Shouldn't be too bad once I get into the flow of things, it's just crazy. Sorry I keep bitching about it.
On a happier note(and I've been trying desperately to constantly think happy thoughts today) here is a photo from Florida. It's probably my top fav of the vacation. I miss them. :( I'm thinking of you guys. Wish we were partying now... stupid school....
Other than that, I have nothing much else to report. Kinda took it slow today, hope to do the same tomorrow, gotta keep giving myself that school pep talk, you know the one.

Emotional, for realzz

2008-09-02T10:44:00.003-04:00

I want a really big, heavy camera lens. I want it to come with a lens shade. That's all I need... oh and it needs to work with my Canon. The end.

I'm wiggin' out about school in one day... holy shit.

Pancake Recipe

2008-09-01T22:27:00.003-04:00

Two more days till school begins.... my stomach just twists more and more the closer it gets. I'm super nervous. It takes me about a week or two to get into the groove of things and start to realize it might not be so bad(or at least tolerable in some way) My biggest fears about starting a new year and a new semester are as follows:
*Finding the classrooms: to be honest it isn't so bad since I have gone here for 3 years previous, I pretty much know where everything is. It's just getting around. The elevators in the one building are always not working and people pile into them, packing them to their limit... it sucks.
*Meeting the teacher and learning their standards as well as teaching strategy: It's an art school, so the more visual, the better, these teachers better come into it knowing this, otherwise they are screwed. It is also frightening because you want your teacher to like you, but honestly, you don't care because it's college... Give me a good grade and leave me alone. I'll do my work. I will come to class, just give me a grade.
*The fellow classmates: I've only had one, really one, successful class were EVERYONE talked and enjoyed each others company. All of my other classes there is always a weird vibe and not alot of talk, the same old people talk every class... ugh.
*The work load: Hopefully I won't be up till 4 AM like I was my freshman year. That was pretty traumatizing....
These things freak me out when it all starts. Once things settle, I will just fall into pace. Yes I worry about money... yes I worry about getting everything done to the best of my ability... but I deal. I just need to get the first week over and done with and on my way. From September 4th-December 17th. Holy crap.
But on a lighter note, here is a great pancake recipe I have perfected.
Whole Wheat Pancake Mix
Add Walnuts(as many or as little as you want)
Add Triple Berries(frozen or fresh, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries...)
Add Ground Flaxseed
Add 1 tablespoon of organic peanut butter
Mix with regular requirements of Whole Wheat Pancake mix and cook!
Totally delicious!

I don't speak German, but I wish I did

2008-09-01T03:13:00.004-04:00

But I find this to be the coolest thing ever! That's if you believe in the stories of Loch Ness, even if you don't, this is awesome! Recently cameras have been installed under the lake's surface and now it has captured an animal swimming under the murky water that resembles Nessie herself(or a snake....) but hey, let's believe it's possible that some mutated creature lurks beneath the water's surface and here it is on video swimmin' around. I'd like to believe it's possible. Why not? Maybe next they will discover unicorns!
Or better yet.... dragons...hmmm...
Here is the link to the German website with the video. I have no idea what it says, but hopefully this link will stay hot and people can view it. http://www.storsjoodjuret.nu/
It's interesting to watch. It moves so funny. I am one of those people who believe in Ghosts and Aliens. Having personally experienced Ghostly presences and watched crazy objects(not airplanes or balloons) bounce across the night sky, I feel that Loch Ness and Big Foot can't be that far out. I am also a spiritual person and a dreamer. It's cool though, I've learned to deal with it. But take a look at the video and I am sure you will be impressed.
On another entirely different subject since I am up at 3:30 in the morning(please dont ask why...) I decided to share my obsession with you, a secret one at that. I love Japanese clothes. I found a website... http://www.style-arena.jp/index_e.htm which updates every week from different fashion streets of Japan. I LOVE IT. I go every week and stare at the cool clothing of the people and their always flawless skin plus awesome shiny air. I am super jealous. I want to recreate a majority of the outfits I see upon that website for my own. American clothes aren't that cool or stylish(unless you have the moneys) I really dream about going to Japan some day and spending the month enjoying the culture. I love the movie "Lost In Translation", I love Japanese food, tradition, and attitude(for the most part) I really connect to their love of tea. I wish I could speak fluent Japanese or be Japanese(sorry) But I think you should check out that website and enjoy.
I have no photos to post. I am tired, but bed doesn't seem like an option. I shall suck it up.
By the way...
Happy Labor Day!

Jump in and get your feet wet, please

2008-08-31T10:18:00.002-04:00

Yesterday at the ole job place a family came in who's child I had been photographing since he was 3 months old. Now he is 15 months with a younger brother. Adorable. The two of them are such wonderful children. They have amazing parents. (oh, and a really cool grandmom, hello? could it get any better?) I find it really incredible that sometimes the same people just come in constantly and I get to see their children grow. Now I don't see them every day, so the change is HUGE to me. There is one family who's son I have photographed since he was 1 month old.... they came in every month til he was 1 yr(I was not there, but I wish I had been to see how big he has gotten...) It's a great thing, even if you are only the photographer, and this is just another family. Some people you can just instantly connect with and enjoy their company(love those types). It was great to see that family yesterday and see how their oldest has grown up so big and now this tiny lil' one has joined the bunch. They are truly an awesome family.
Children's photography is a great thing and I love it, but it can be extremely difficult. There are times where I go to work with very little energy and taking photos will only take what little is left of me. Sucks. But I looooovvveeee kids. I've met some really funny children with the greatest personalities. I hope that children's photography will be apart of my life when I am older, because I do enjoy it. Kids are wonderful. Its hard on a photography when the parent gets flustered because the child is upset. As long as everyone relaxes, we can all get through it together.
I can't believe school starts in four days!!!! Ah!!!!!

O-Bah-Muh!!!!

2008-08-30T08:06:00.002-04:00

I hate John McCain right now.(ok, so I never like him, but right now, he is being a complete thorn in my side with his V.P. choice...UGGGHHHHH)
What a jerk....

1 week...

2008-08-29T09:15:00.002-04:00

I start school next Thursday. The thought of it is sitting in my stomach like a giant knot. It's better to be nervous about starting a new year than to be completely at ease. Or at least that's my belief. I personally feel that being nervous at the start means that when things go well, I can breathe a little easier. Compared to if I was relaxed going into the beginning and it all came at me like an overstuffed catapult, well, then I'd be a frazzled mess. So I am hopeful that my nerves are an indicator of a not so bad school year. Normally at this point I am already in classes and had a first round, but for some reason this year we are starting later, alot later. Classes have always begun on August 27th or around there. This year it's September 4th. So weird. Whatever it gives me another week to try and get myself focused and determined in my goals for the year.
One more year left...ugh... i feel like after the year is over and I graduate someone is going to push me off the edge of a cliff and tell me to learn to fly now or I'll just come crashing down. Is that crazy? It's a scary thought and yea, crazy, but still, fears are fears. I am sure things will work out and no one is going to push me off a cliff, though I am sure my loved ones will push me in a good way. Nerves keep you on the tip of your toes. That's a wonderful thing, I feel.
Just wish me luck this year, don't be surprised by the angry entries when I get frustrated with teachers and classmates.
Onward!